And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
He spoke to them following the advice of the young men, saying, 'My father made your burden heavy, and I will make your burden even heavier. My father punished you with whips, but I will punish you with scorpions.'
King Rehoboam foolishly threatened to treat his people even more harshly than his father Solomon had, choosing bad advice from inexperienced counselors over wisdom from experienced elders.
📚 Historical Context
This was King Rehoboam's response to the Israelites who had asked him to reduce the heavy taxes and forced labor that his father Solomon had imposed. Solomon's building projects had created great wealth but also great burden on the people. Rehoboam had consulted both older, experienced advisors (who suggested compassion) and younger advisors (who suggested being even harsher), and he chose the harsh path.
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